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Examining Attitudes Conducive to Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Evidence From a
Michael Salter1, Tyson Whitten1, Delanie Woodlock1
1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Research on preventing child sexual abuse is limited. This study analyzed men's attitudes towards technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse, finding links between beliefs and sexual interest in children.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Primary prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA) is hindered by limited research on associated attitudes.
- Understanding men's beliefs regarding technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TFCSA) is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze attitudes towards TFCSA among men in Australia, the UK, and the US.
- To examine the relationship between these attitudes, sexual interest in children, and offending behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Latent class analysis of data from 4,918 men across three countries.
- Examination of demographic and behavioral differences between identified attitude groups.
Main Results:
- Three distinct latent classes of attitudes towards TFCSA were identified.
- A shift from normalizing TFCSA to denying its harmfulness correlated with increased sexual interest in children.
- Significant demographic and behavioral differences were observed between the classes.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcing the moral wrong of CSA and perpetrator responsibility is key for prevention.
- Targeting men with normalizing beliefs can aid in early offender identification (secondary prevention).
- Media and cultural influences play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards CSA.
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